The Electricity Authority of Cyprus (EAC) secured parliamentary approval for its 2026 budget on Thursday, but the significant €2.55 billion expenditure plan was met with considerable contention. Lawmakers engaged in a robust debate, exposing deep-seated divisions regarding the island's energy future and the operational status of its power generation facilities. This budget, which anticipates a deficit to be financed through borrowing and internal reserves, navigated a contentious parliamentary session. MPs utilised this discussion to voice long-standing grievances concerning energy costs, environmental impact, and the pace of transitioning to cleaner energy sources.
A primary focus of the heated discussions was the Dhekelia power plant. Despite European Union recommendations for its decommissioning due to substantial emissions, the facility remains operational. This decision drew sharp criticism from several MPs, including Edek's Marinos Sizopoulos and the Greens' Charalambos Theopemptou. They vociferously questioned the continued reliance on a plant widely considered environmentally detrimental. The debate also encompassed the procurement of three new turbines for Dhekelia, a €140 million investment that has experienced prolonged delays. Promises to upgrade the facility had previously dated back as far as 2013. Ultimately, the budget passed with a comfortable majority of 40 votes to 2, though dissenting voices highlighted persistent opposition to the EAC's operational strategy.
Beyond the immediate concerns surrounding Dhekelia, the parliamentary session served as a platform for a broader critique of Cyprus's energy landscape. Discussions extended to the complexities of importing natural gas, the necessary infrastructure for its efficient utilisation, and the integration of Renewable Energy Sources (RES). The devastating 2011 explosion at the Mari naval base, a stark reminder of energy infrastructure vulnerabilities, was invoked by some MPs. This implicitly questioned past decisions regarding natural gas storage and handling, particularly concerning the Vasiliko LNG terminal.
Underlying anxieties about future energy security were evident. Akel leader Stefanos Stefanou issued a stark warning, predicting a "serious problem" for electricity supply in the coming years. He suggested the potential for summer blackouts if proactive measures are not implemented promptly. This apprehension appears to stem from a perceived inadequacy in current infrastructure and a lack of decisive action to secure reliable and sustainable energy sources. The EAC's financial health and its capacity to meet the island's growing energy demands were implicitly scrutinised.
The approval of the 2026 budget, while procedurally necessary, does little to resolve the fundamental disagreements that surfaced during the debate. The clash of perspectives reflects a broader societal and political struggle to forge a cohesive and forward-thinking energy policy for Cyprus. The continued reliance on older, polluting technologies, coupled with challenges in fully embracing natural gas and renewables, indicates that the path towards a truly sustainable energy future remains fraught with obstacles. The ongoing operation of the Dhekelia plant, in particular, represents an unresolved issue that will likely continue to fuel debate and concern.